Overview & Reviews

If you're thinking about purchasing a vehicle rugged enough to finesse rocky trails, chances are, one make comes to mind: Jeep. This specialty automotive manufacturer has a long history of producing trucks and SUVs capable of off-highway adventures — so much so that the term jeep is used by many to refer to all SUVs, whether the vehicle in question is a true Jeep or not.

Jeep took root in WWII as the name of the now-iconic four-wheel-drive military vehicle produced by Willys-Overland and Ford for the U.S. Army. The name's origin is somewhat of a mystery; popular belief is that it morphed from "GP," or "general purpose," though others have suggested that it was a nickname derived from a character featured in the Popeye comic strip of the time.

The mid-1940s saw the introduction of the first civilian Jeep, the CJ-2A. It offered many features not available on military versions, such as a tailgate, an external fuel cap and a side-mounted spare tire, and was targeted mainly toward farmers and construction workers.

Civilian Jeeps caught on with the public, and by the 1950s, new models such as the CJ-3B and the CJ-5 had been introduced. The CJ-5 had the longest production run of any Jeep vehicle, continuing for 30 years after its introduction in the early '50s. The company changed owners during this decade as Willys-Overland was sold to Kaiser in 1953.

Jeep broke new ground in the 1960s with the debut of its Wagoneer. Geared toward active families, this early SUV was the first four-wheel-drive vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission. A new "Dauntless" V6 became available as an option on the CJ-5 and CJ-6 in 1965. This was the first time that a Jeep CJ could be equipped with a V6. Packing 155 horses, the engine's horsepower almost doubled that offered by the standard four-cylinder.

By the 1970s, Jeep had changed ownership yet again, with the purchase of Kaiser-Jeep by American Motors Corporation. New models like the CJ-7 and the Scrambler were rolled out. Additionally, the company unveiled some new technology with the introduction of the world's first automatic full-time four-wheel-drive system. Dubbed Quadra-Trac, it was available in the CJ-7 as well as in full-size Jeep trucks and wagons. During this decade, Jeep's fortunes soared as four-wheel-drive vehicles became increasingly popular with large sections of American buyers.

The 1980s saw the introduction of the Cherokee and Wrangler. The Cherokee was one of the first of the new breed of SUVs — high-riding midsize wagons that skyrocketed in popularity as the decade progressed. The Wrangler replaced the CJ series in 1987 and offered the raw functionality of the CJ along with more comfort features. That year also saw the purchase of American Motors by Chrysler, with the Jeep brand becoming part of Chrysler's Jeep/Eagle division. One of Jeep's most popular models, the Grand Cherokee, debuted for 1993. This handsome, midsize SUV offered considerably more comfort and luxury than the smaller Cherokee while still providing stout off-road capability.

Jeep fell under the umbrella of DaimlerChrysler after Chrysler and Daimler-Benz merged in 1998. This partnership resulted in a few new models, such as the Liberty and Compass, though none were able to attain great sales success. In 2007, Daimler sold the Chrysler Group to a private equity firm. It is now under control of Fiat.

More recently, the company has added a couple of enticing models to its lineup (including a four-door version of the Wrangler and the pavement-scorching Grand Cherokee SRT8) and made substantial performance and quality improvements under the hoods and within the cabins. As such, we expect Jeep will not only maintain a loyal group of customers but will also bring new fans into the fold.

User Reviews:

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  Liberty for a Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Liberty - October 11 - 3:20 am

  I just had to buy! My name is Liberty so I wanted to drive a Liberty. At least it has lived up to being as cool as me!

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  Its a Jeep thing, and now I understand - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By JeepRubi101 - October 10 - 9:43 am

  I never really "got" the Jeep until I bought one. The gear ratio is low and very easy to shift. You can literally crawl without doing ANYTHING just by having the axle locks on. Its a thing of beauty. If youre just considering a Jeep, I suggest test driving it. Im willing to bet that you too will understand the saying "Its a Jeep thing, you wouldnt understand"

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  best of the suvs - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By jerry cooney - October 9 - 2:56 pm

  We have had 7 grand Cherokees and this vehicle is even better. We live at nearly 10,000 feet and find the Quadratrack ll to have excellent traction and the 5.7 hemi to have all the necessary power for the mountains we have to climb. We tow this behind our motor home and it makes a trouble free tow vehicle with no modifications necessary to tow. We really like the gps system and the theater seating with the dvd player.

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  Mcglone - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jesse Mcglone - October 8 - 8:40 am

  Exelent, glad i worked hard to get it

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  I love my Jeep - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeepman73CJ - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I will never drive or own another type of vehicle. I have a 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee, with the 5.2L V-8, and Quadra- Trac. I drive it hard both on and off- road, and it has never given me any problems. The Quadra-Trac fulltime 4wd system claws to snowy and icey roads like a wounded animal, and I highly reccomend it for people who live in that type of climate. Off-road is where this Jeep really shines, I have been places in this Jeep that I never thought it could or should be able to go, and even after an unmerciful flogging on the trail, the Jeep ready for more. Like I said before, I will never drive anything other than a Jeep.

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  Solid vehicle - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By decktout1 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is rock solid. I am 6-3" and sit comfortably. Stereo with subwoofer really kicks for a stock system. Car goes anywhere, nimble. Convertible is fun, soft top is tight, and hard top keeps the heat out. Great AC. 4.0 V6 gives all the kick in the butt you need.

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  Ultimate 4x4 from the factory! - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Kelly S. - October 4 - 8:13 am

  I purchased it new. So far I have done the usual city driving, taken it on a few highway trips and done some light off-road so far. For its size there is no vehicle that will park as easy as a Wrangler. It turns sharp and visibility is excellent. With the hard top on it is the quietest Wrangler yet on the highway. Some very minor wind noise and some whine from the knobby off-road tires, but still not bad. Off-road it is a killer! Once the axles are locked there is nothing that can stop you. The 4.0L puts out so much torque at idle it is amazing. The solid axles allow the suspension to flex and keep the tires in contact with the ground better than any other factory 4x4 I have seen!

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  1st Jeep and Loving It - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By 1st Jeep & Love It - October 1 - 9:06 am

  Loving this Jeep. Hard to find the negatives about it. For those who want more power and complain that its whimpy, go buy something bigger. Its that simple. But if you are looking for a smaller cheaper SUV and want to park in more places than bigger SUVs, then get this Jeep! I recommend this to anyone. Well, the limited version anyway.

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  Jeep Liberty Sport - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By DJT - October 1 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is great. Gets good gas mileage, handles well and is a comfort to ride in. Plenty of rear passenger room and storage space.

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  Another High Quality Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By HMCIV - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Once again, Jeep has built a very reliable vehicle that lives up to its offroad name. The engine is good, The 4WD and towing are better. Stearing is very nimble and the Curise control handles very well. Now that Im used to her size, I parallel park deftly into spots my roomate with a Civic only tries if hes feeling cocky. :)